India will not compromise on issue of combating cross-border terrorism: S Jaishankar 

" The challenge of cross-border terrorism, though, is one of a kind. We have to be uncompromising in combating it," S Jaishankar said while delivering his Sardar Patel Memorial Lecture.

"If regionalism is to seriously develop, it would need not only a positive approach towards trade, connectivity and contacts but also an abjuring of terrorism as state policy. Covid-19 has impacted every state of South Asia and their common recovery is contingent on their collaborative efforts," he said.

He said India will continue to give the utmost attention to its immediate neighbourhood.

" As an outlook, the Neighbourhood First policy remains generous and non-reciprocal in creating the basis for shared activities in different domains. The initial fruits of these endeavours are already in evidence, with projects taking off across South Asia in power, roads, rail, energy, etc," the Indian Minister said.

In recent times, India has also become more conscious of the extended neighbourhood, that is so much a part of its history and heritage, the Minister added.

"This awareness has been propelled by a variety of economic, political, cultural and diaspora factors. It has unfolded through an Act East policy that encapsulates the ASEAN and beyond," S Jaishankar added.